Tietjens joins Hall of Fame

Bay of Plenty's Gordon Tietjens has bucked a trend, not only becoming the first international sevens coach inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame but doing so while still actively involved in the game.

Tietjens' induction on Monday followed New Zealand's record-breaking 10th IRB world series win in London, where they secured the title with a 36-0 win over South Africa in the Cup quarter-final. New Zealand went on to finish third at the tournament, beating Argentina 40-0 in the third and fourth playoff.

Tietjens joins a group of great New Zealanders who have already been inducted in to the IRB Hall of Fame, including All Black greats Sir Brian Lochore, Sir Wilson Whineray, David Kirk, the 1888 Natives team and Joseph Warbrick, Dave Gallaher and Jonah Lomu.

Usually inductees to the IRB Hall of Fame are required to have stepped down from active duty in playing or coaching for at least three years before being considered for induction.

However, the IRB Hall of Fame panel viewed Tietjens' achievements as so outstanding that they were willing to overlook that criterion for induction.

Tietjens' roll of honour is without peer in sevens - as well as 10 world titles his teams have won the World Cup sevens in 2001 and all four Commonwealth Games gold medals contested to date.

He recently signed a contract extension that will see him lead the national team to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"It's just really humbling and quite special really. I'm shocked to be recognised for my contribution to sevens," Tietjens said. "I can only thank the players that have been a big part of my life, the players that have contributed to the successes in the game that I have had."

New Zealand's Rugby World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry was one of the first to pay tribute to Tietjens.

"You've been a great ambassador for the game. All those world series and Commonwealth titles, very special," said Henry, who called Tietjens in before last year's World Cup to help condition the All Blacks.

Tietjens' rivals also joined in congratulating him on the honour.

"Gordon has a tried and trusted formula that nobody can argue hasn't worked over the last decade. Even if you know what's coming, it's still pretty hard to deal with and that's why Gordon has won world titles," England coach Ben Ryan said.

To cap a great night for New Zealand, Tomasi Cama was named IRB Sevens Player of the Year.